It pays to ask an expert

photo c Culturebox

An occasional collector of religious artefacts bought a reliquary image of the Crucifixion about 30 years ago thinking it was a late copy of a 14th century image. But taking it to an auction house specialising in these objects they wanted to make sure. So they asked an expert, who said it was of such quality, with precious stones and silver and the techniques used, that it is surely the work of Jean Pucelle in 1330. Its unusual size, 12x18cms, making it one of the largest known, added to interest.
The Louvre wanted to buy it, but the auctioneer decided to sell it and on Saturday it sold for 450000 euros. The buyer is not known, but the museum may have the right to pre-emption and acquire it.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com